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Rythmol |
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What is Rythmol and why is it prescribed? Rythmol is used to help correct certain life-threatening heartbeat irregularities. There is a possibility that Rythmol may cause new heartbeat irregularities or make the existing ones worse. Rythmol is therefore used only for serious problems, and should be accompanied by periodic electrocardiograms (EKGs) prior to and during treatment. Discuss this with your doctor. How should you take Rythmol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Rythmol. Rythmol may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Rythmol works best when there is a constant amount of the drug in the blood, so you should take it at evenly spaced intervals. If you miss a dose, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, take the forgotten dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose. Keep Rythmol in the container it came in, tightly closed, away from direct light, at room temperature. Are there any Rythmol side effects? Rythmol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Rythmol side effects affect the digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The most serious are heartbeat abnormalities. More common Rythmol side effects may include constipation, dizziness, heartbeat abnormalities, nausea, unusual taste in the mouth, and vomiting. Other Rythmol side effects may include abdominal pain or cramps, anemia, angina, anxiety, blood disorders, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, bruising, cardiac arrest, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure, depression, diarrhea, dreaming abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye irritation, fainting or near fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, hair loss, headache, heart palpitations, heartbeat abnormalities, hot flashes, impotence, increased blood sugar, indigestion, inflamed esophagus, stomach, or intestines, insomnia, itching, joint pain, kidney disease, kidney failure, lack of coordination, liver dysfunction, loss of appetite, loss of balance, low blood pressure, memory loss, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, numbness, pain, psychosis, rash, red or purple spots on the skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, speech abnormalities, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, unusual smell sensations, vertigo, vision abnormalities, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Rythmol? If Rythmol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rythmol with Beta blockers (such as Inderal and Lopressor), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Local anesthetics (such as Novocain used during dental work), Quinidine (Cardioquin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Uni-Dur), or Warfarin (blood thinners such as Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Rythmol? If you have congestive heart failure, this condition must be brought under full medical control before you start taking Rythmol. If you have a pacemaker, the pacemaker's settings must be monitored, and possibly reprogrammed, while you are taking Rythmol. There is some risk that Rythmol may interfere with your body's normal ability to manufacture blood cells. Too few white blood cells may cause signs and symptoms that mimic infection. If you experience fever, chills, or sore throat while taking Rythmol, especially during the first 3 months of treatment, notify your doctor right away. Rythmol may cause a lupus-like illness characterized by rashes and arthritic symptoms. If you have been taking Rythmol and testing shows that your blood contains ANA (antinuclear antibodies), your doctor may want to discontinue Rythmol. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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